Fundraising victory for fancy dress footballers

Two Merlin football teams have raised more than £250 for charity after taking to the field in fancy dress in a regional tournament.

Merlin Housing Society fielded two teams in the Tetlow King charity 5-a-cider competition for social landlords based in the south west, in Bristol on Wednesday. But as well as handing over the entrance fees, the team decided to try and raise a bit more money for charity.

Colleagues from the Chipping Sodbury-based housing society dug deep and sponsored the 13-man squad to wear football kits with a difference. So when the teams kicked off, Merlin’s opponents found themselves up against players dressed up as a clown, a cheerleader, and a nerd, as well as others wearing a pink tutu, a scuba mask and snorkel and a Borat-style mankini.

In total they raised £265 from wearing their fancy dress costumes, all of which was donated to the charities supported by the tournament, Shelter and Children of the Andes.

Bevil Yeo, a member of Merlin’s social and charity committee who wore a Chippendale-eque collar and cuffs for the tournament, said: “It was a really good event and all our players had a great time. Although neither of our teams walked off with the trophy we were delighted we were able to raise so much extra money for charity.”